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Horner jibes with Toto Wolff about Max Verstappen

Horner pokes fun at Toto Wolff as Verstappen's future is discussed

25 August at 16:50
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  • Matt Gretton
  • Editor-in-Chief

Toto Wolff wanted to lure Max Verstappen away from Red Bull Racing to sign with Mercedes. The Mercedes boss has left his vacant seat open for as long as possible, but it now seems the chance has gone away. Christian Horner has poked fun at the Mercedes boss, saying that the German team wouldn't be the dream location for Max Verstappen anyway given the performance in the Dutch Grand Prix.

During the Dutch Grand Prix weekend, Verstappen and Red Bull simply couldn't match the impressive pace from McLaren and Lando Norris. Despite leading at the start, Norris ended up winning with an advantage of more than 20 seconds. Meanwhile, Mercedes were left with P7 and P8 after struggling throughout the meaningful sessions in Zandvoort.

Horner makes a cheeky remark

Verstappen has had his lead cut in the World Championship, and McLaren are creeping closer in the Constructors' Standings. Various performance clauses in Verstappen's long contract, which expires in 2028, have been rumoured. Without going into detail, Horner just said his Red Bull team need to deliver.

"It's down to us to deliver. We have an agreement until 2028. 2028 is a long way away. It's down to us to provide a race winning car. Every contract has a performance element in it. We won't talk about those elements, but as long as we have a competitive car, we know what the situation is," Horner told GPblog and others when asked if it would make Verstappen doubt his future at Red Bull. He then concluded with a cheeky jab at his rival Wolff.

"I didn't see Toto's car performing that well today," Horner joked.